Workshop presentation at the 50th Anniversary Conference for The Association for the Study of Play.

The voice is a vehicle for expression and identity. For individuals seeking alignment with their gender identity, voice work provides a powerful tool to bridge the gap between internal perception and external presentation. It is an avenue through which one can affirm their gender and cultivate a voice that they want to share with the world. Gender-affirming voice care recognizes the unique needs and goals of individuals on this journey, and play offers the opportunity for students to explore their full spectrum of sounds. Beyond the physical aspects, voice work contributes significantly to emotional well-being, self-confidence, and strengthens the relationship between one’s inner sense of identity and their outward expression to the world. As such, the importance of gender-affirming voice care extends far beyond the vocal realm, impacting overall mental and emotional health. Through this interactive workshop, participants will be invited to play games that explore the speaking and singing voice. Workshop participants will leave with a basic definition of gender-affirming voice care, an understanding of how play can appear in voice work, and a practical application of games.